First Aid Kit

Definition

The first aid kit is a portable container of medicines, supplies, and information. It is kept for situations in which quick medical attention is needed for minor injuries.

Purpose

A first aid kit is used to treat minor illnesses and injuries in or outside the home, thereby reducing the risk of complications from minor injuries.

Description

The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends that every home have a first aid kit to respond to common medical emergencies. The contents of a well-stocked kit should include the following items:

• thermometers for infants, children, and adults
• rubbing alcohol to clean tweezers, needles, and thermometers
• tweezers and needles to remove slivers and ticks
• adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• sterile gauze pads (2x2, 4x4, and 5x9 inches)
• non-adherent dressings, as burns or abrasions need a non-stick dressing
• triangular bandage to make a sling or use as a tourniquet
• elastic bandage to support a sprain
• safety pins to fasten bandages
• medical tape to affix a gauze pad to a large wound
• plastic resealable bag
• scissors
• CPR shield
• butterfly closures to pull the edges of small wounds together
• latex gloves
• medicine dropper to administer medicine to children
• medicine spoon
• petroleum jelly to lubricate rectal thermometers for infants under one year old
• heating pad/hot water bottle
• tongue depressors
• antiseptic wipes to cleanse hands or wounds
• cotton-tipped swabs for cleaning wounds
• iodine swabs for cleaning around a wound
• topical calamine lotion or antihistamine cream for allergies, insect bites, and rashes
• acetaminophen in appropriate doses for infants, children, and adults
• cough suppressant to relieve coughing in appropriate doses for infants, children, and adults
• antibacterial cream
• oral rehydration fluid for the treatment of diarrhea
• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• first aid manual
• an emergency information list

Operation

The items in the kit can be stored in a box or a tote bag where adult members of a family or other group

know where it is located. The kit should be stored out of reach of children, and products should have child safety caps. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the correct use of medications and supplies.

The kit should be compact enough to be transported in a car, suitcase, or rucksack if traveling.

Maintenance

The kit should be inspected monthly to ensure that the contents are not damaged or out of date.

Content licensed from:

Author Info: Margaret A Stockley RGN, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 2002

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.